Hi Terese! Welcome to planDisney.
My family really loved our stay at
Disney's Port Orleans Resort: Riverside. There are lots of things to love about this resort, but for us, it was the ambiance. Walking alongside the Sassagoula River at twilight, with lights twinkling and gorgeous landscaping, is truly wonderful. Add the ability to stop by
Disney's Port Orleans Resort: French Quarter for coffee and beignets, and you've got vacation magic!
Riverside is a large resort, so the
preferred rooms are a good choice if you want a shorter walk to the main building, which includes the lobby, shopping, and dining. Preferred rooms are in buildings 14, 15, 18, and 27, which are in the Alligator Bayou section of the resort. I would recommend looking at a resort map, which can be found with a quick internet search, to get a sense of the resort's layout.
I have stayed at Disney's Port Orleans Resort: Riverside twice, and we had standard rooms both times. My family enjoys exploring resorts and we haven't yet had a Walt Disney World Resort hotel stay where we felt there was too much walking. If you will have small children, or prefer to save all your walking for the theme parks, a preferred room is probably worth it, in my opinion.
Thanks for stopping by with your question, Terese! Please come back and see us if you think of any further questions as you plan and dream.
Wishing you a magical vacation,
Robyn